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Chuck Pennacchio on Civil Rights
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End apartheid against the gay community
The gay community has been exempted from the concept of equal justice under law by a system of apartheid that creates two classes of citizens based on sexual orientation. Every American who works hard, pays taxes, and plays by the rules deserves the same
benefits and protections the rest of us are afforded. The right to visit a loved one in the hospital and peace of mind that comes with shared tax, health, and inheritance benefits are rights all Americans should enjoy, regardless of sexual orientation.
Source: Pennacchio for Senate web site, issues page
Nov 23, 2005
Same-sex unions are no threat, protect essential rights
The right to visit a loved one in the hospital and peace of mind that comes with shared tax, health, and inheritance benefits are rights all Americans should enjoy, regardless of sexual orientation. Same-gender unions in no way pose a credible threat
to the sanctity of marriage. The only place where same gender marriage is legal, Massachusetts, has the lowest divorce rate in the country. Also, Vermont's civil union law has been a particular success, and a boost for that state's economy.
Source: Pennacchio for Senate web site, issues page
Nov 23, 2005
Supports passage of the equal rights amendment
Chuck strongly believes that promoting equal rights and opportunities for women is sound public policy and a moral imperative. To ensure this, he supports passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. While the Constitution does protect and grant rights to all
women and men, it is important in an era of conservative "activist judges" and erosion of civil rights, to place the guarantee of equality under the law in the Constitution. It is a concept too important to risk being limited by "activist judges".
Source: Pennacchio for Senate web site, issues page
Nov 23, 2005
Alito on Supreme Court threatens equal rights
President Bush's nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court threatens equal rights for all Americans. Alito's record indicates that he would not continue Justice O'Connor's legacy of protecting privacy rights, employee rights, minority rights, and
reproductive choice. I am committed to preserving and strengthening the Supreme Court's role as the ultimate protector of our constitutional rights. I support a Court that is ideologically balanced to reflect the mainstream rather than the radical right.
Source: Press release, "Alito"
Oct 31, 2005